A recent update by Facebook parent company Meta indicates that the company has taken down some 2 million accounts linked to ‘pig butchering’ scams this year alone.
The scams have become prevalent, with the tech giant now focusing its efforts on Southeast Asian operations, with particular focus on countries such as Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and the Philippines. Interestingly, the United Arab Emirates has also been a concentration of the scam centers.
The company notes that it focuses its account closure based upon its Dangerous Organizations and Individuals Policy (DOI) – based on its ‘internal subject matter expertise and insights from external stakeholders’.
‘Once designated as DOIs, the entities are banned from our platform and subject to a wide range of enforcement tools,’ indicated the company in a recent release.
Aside from utilizing its investigative teams, the group notes that ‘We also continue to update behavioral and technical signals associated with these hubs to help us scale automated detection and block malicious infrastructure and recidivist attempts.’.
Meta has linked up with various law enforcement groups, such as the Royal Thai Police, to further its efforts in scam crackdowns in the region.
The group cites a recent collaboration with ‘industry peers’ to prevent criminal activity, focused on a scam compound in Cambodia ‘attempting to target people in Japanese and Chinese languages’. This was detected via information shared by OpenAI, ‘who detected and disrupted the actors’ efforts to use their tools to generate and translate the scammers’ content’.
Scam operations are continuously being detected globally, oftentimes linked to areas which provide some form of legalized online gaming or online gaming licensing.
But, aside from Meta’s efforts, the jurisdictions themselves are aiming to wipe out the bad actors.
The Philippines, for example, has moved swiftly to minimize malicious effects from offshore gaming operations (licensed or unlicensed) which have exploited their position to conduct other illicit operations. Recent raids and arrests are testament to the crackdown efforts, with all offshore gaming operations to be banned by year-end.
However, as authorities try to break scam rings, which oftentimes operate multi-nationally, those behind them have merely shifted jurisdictions, spreading their businesses through less-controlled areas such as the Golden Triangle.
Sportradar, a leading global sports technology company creating immersive experiences for sports fans and bettors, has announced a multiyear agreement with Major League Baseball (MLB) to offer unparalleled sports performance analysis of amateur baseball prospects, through its Synergy Coaching and Scouting solution, to the league and its 30 clubs.
This new partnership will revolutionize player talent scouting through Sportradar’s advanced, proprietary technology and highlights Sportradar’s commitment to delivering innovative and game-changing solutions to the league.
Under the agreement, MLB and its 30 Clubs will gain access to an unprecedented depth of player analysis and insights with event coverage expanding significantly, from 3,300 to more than 20,000 games – an over 600% increase. This includes college, international, professional partner leagues and leading amateur leagues, such as the MLB Draft League, the Appalachian League and MLB Develops events, and, for the first time, top high school events.
The Synergy Coaching and Scouting solution is uniquely positioned to address the player evaluation needs of MLB as it leverages Sportradar’s expertise ingesting and transforming millions of data points from video into detailed metrics, actionable insights and dynamic visualizations. This, combined with Sportradar’s AI-powered sports performance technology, enables Synergy to provide unparalleled, in-depth analysis of every player, play and game situation, and equips MLB and Club scouts with the information and insights they need to streamline the evaluation process, guide draft decisions and support the development of future MLB players.
“Sportradar’s cutting-edge technology, alongside our reputation as a trusted partner to leading US sports leagues, is driving the transformation of sports performance analysis,” said Eduard Blonk, Chief Commercial Officer, Sportradar. “Through Synergy we are pleased that we are expanding our relationship with MLB, equipping them with the deep data and insights they need to identify the next generation of players. We are eager to continue bringing innovative solutions to MLB.”
John D’Angelo, MLB’s Sr. Vice President of Amateur and Medical Operations added: “We are excited to expand our relationship with Sportradar and ensure equal access to the Synergy video and data services for all 30 MLB Clubs. This platform has become a key resource for Clubs in the domestic and international scouting process and we look forward to continuing our work with Sportradar in the coming years.”
The $5.1 billion Wynn Al Marjan project, set to be the UAE’s first integrated resort featuring a casino, is well underway, with 55 percent of the structural concrete now complete and a new floor being added each week.
Wynn Al Marjan Island project development-November 2024
According to an update from Wynn Resorts, the building has now reached the 26th floor, with the tower structure completed for 1,121 rooms – 73 percent of the total 1,542 rooms planned.
Wynn is taking a strong personal focus on the development – despite only being a 40 percent investor in the project, alongside RAK Hospitality – with Wynn Design and Development overseeing ‘all facets of the project’s design and development’.
‘Wynn Resorts is unique in that it maintains its own full-service design and architectural team,’ the group notes in its release.
Hotel arrival at Wynn Al Marjan IslandView from the pool at Wynn Al Marjan IslandWynn Al Marjan Island TowerSource: Wynn Resorts
The group prided itself on the fact that there are some 9,100 construction team members onsite, with over 100 concrete trucks on site daily.
The casino on the property is set to take up just 4 percent of the gross floor area but still constitutes about 225,000 square feet.
Aside from the casino, the property will feature a 15,000-square meter shopping promenade; 22 restaurants, lounges, and bars; 7,500-square meters for MICE, a theater and 3.6 hectares of tropical landscaping.
Wynn Al Marjan Island’s recently-appointed president, Max Tappeiner, expressed confidence that the new ‘integrated gaming resort’ could transform Ras Al Khaimah into the world’s fourth major gaming jurisdiction – after Macau, Las Vegas and Singapore.
Relax Gaming, a leading aggregator and supplier of unique content in the iGaming industry, has celebrated its Dream Drop Mega Jackpot landing for the eighteenth time, this time at Sportsbet.io.
The lucky player landed €2.9 million (€2,974,789.29) after placing a €4.64 bet on the popular Relax Gaming title, Midnight Marauders Dream Drop.
This monumental jackpot win comes just months after the seventeenth Mega Drop prize was awarded, meaning an impressive total of 17.1 million has now been paid out this calendar year to six lucky winners.
Released in July 2023, Midnight Marauder Dream Drop has continually entertained players with its memorable vault-robbing theme and high-quality gameplay.
Alongside the legendary Dream Drop Jackpot, players can potentially escape with bags of loot by way the game’s impressive Collect & Multiply and Free Spins features.
Martin Stålros, CEO of Relax Gaming, said: “It’s truly fantastic to see the year out in style by awarding yet another Mega Jackpot win. Whether or not this is the last Dream Drop jackpot we see in 2024, one thing is for sure, we’ve well and truly shaped the progressive jackpot landscape this year!”
Alex Haig, Director at Sportsbet.io, said: “Another day, another jackpot dropping on Sportsbet.io! We’re quickly gaining a reputation for jackpot wins, and this latest player is truly living the dream upon winning this incredible prize. With such a strong collection of jackpot titles such as Midnight Marauders Dream Drop, we hope we see another jackpot winner very soon!”
Play’n GO, the world’s leading casino entertainment provider, proudly announces a new partnership with Austrian state lottery operator Win2Day, marking a significant collaboration in the gaming industry.
This partnership sees legendary titles from the Swedish-founded gaming giant, such as Reactoonz, Rise of Olympus,and Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness live on Win2Day’s platform for players to enjoy.
As of November 2024, Play’n GO offers a portfolio of over 350 premium titles in over 30 jurisdictions worldwide.
Tove Aldefors, Head of Regional Sales Central and Western Europe at Play’n GO, said “It’s exciting to launch our games with the Austrian state lottery, and Win2Day are the perfect partner for our brand. They share our beliefs about a regulated, sustainable, player entertainment-led industry. We’re looking forward to many years of success working together.”
Georg Wawer, Managing Director of Win2Day, added “We are the only licensed operator in Austria. Therefore our objective is to provide all major igaming operators on our platform. Play’n GO is one of the international powerhouses and therefore we are delighted to be able to offer their content on our platform. We view Play’n GO as a competent and responsible partner for win2day and we’re confident this partnership will prove fruitful.”
Sands China, a leading gaming operator in Macau, has successfully concluded its annual advanced responsible gaming training program. Over 40 team members participated in the training held on October 21-22 at The Londoner Macao, enhancing their knowledge and skills to support the Macao government’s ‘Seeking Help for Winning the Future’ responsible gaming initiatives.
Team members who join the programme train to become Responsible Gaming Ambassadors, thus heightening their awareness of the importance of responsible gaming while gaining enhanced knowledge of problem gambling. Sands China has provided the training since 2013 to supplement the company-wide responsible gaming training delivered to all of Sands China’s more than 26,000 team members.
Sands China’s Responsible Gaming Ambassador programme is delivered by world-renowned responsible gaming expert Professor Bo J. Bernhard, vice president of UNLV’s Office of Economic Development. During the training, Bernhard shared responsible gaming studies and insights from around the world with team members, and gave them practical techniques for when and how to respond to various situations. He covered the history and theory of problem gambling, how to recognise signs of gambling disorder, the roles of a Responsible Gaming Ambassador, and how to acquire the relevant professional skills.
Responsible gaming expert Professor Bo J. Bernhard, vice president of UNLV’s Office of Economic Development, shares responsible gaming studies and insights from around the world during a session of Sands China’s Responsible Gaming Ambassador advanced training programme
At the same training, Professor Davis Fong, director of the Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming at the University of Macau, provided team members with insights on Macao’s responsible gaming policies and related statistics, helping them gain a holistic view of the landscape in Macao. A team of senior counsellors from the Sheng Kung Hui Macau Social Services Coordination Office then gave team members tips for providing responsible gaming support to both guests and fellow team members and taught them the four-step intervention method.
Professor Davis Fong, director of the Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming at the University of Macau, provides insights on Macao’s responsible gaming policies and related statistics to Sands China team members during a session of the Responsible Gaming Ambassador advanced training programme
They also talked about Sheng Kung Hui’s 24-hour counselling hotline and face-to-face counselling services, which helped team members level-up their practical knowledge and skills in areas such as crisis management and intervention. Team members also participated in role-playing scenarios to learn more about Sheng Kung Hui’s counselling services and enhance their ability to provide timely support to those suffering from problem gambling.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: “Responsible gambling is crucial to the healthy and orderly development of the industry, so we invite renowned experts in responsible gaming to provide this elite training for our team members each year. Their increased knowledge and skills allow them to provide the most effective assistance to individuals by identifying the symptoms of gambling addiction both at work and in personal life, and by helping them develop a positive attitude towards life to reduce various addictive behaviours.”
Dr. Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman of Sands China
“We are grateful to Professor Bernhard, Professor Fong and the senior instructors from Sheng Kung Hui for their continued passion for responsible gaming training. Looking ahead, the company will continue to fully cooperate with the Macao SAR government’s responsible gaming policies and continue to convey the important message of responsible gaming to team members and the public through various means such as organising courses and promotional activities,” he added.
The 46 team members participating in this year’s training received certificates from UNLV, along with Sands China Responsible Gaming Ambassador pins. They will now serve as ambassadors in their various departments and positions, where they will actively promote responsible gaming, take charge of related handling and reporting tasks, and provide support and referral services using the professional knowledge and skills gained through their training.
Sands China’s Responsible Gaming Ambassador training programme was launched in 2013 and is a global initiative of parent company Las Vegas Sands Corp. It integrates new and enhanced elements each year in support of the measures of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).
Sands China has offered the Responsible Gaming Ambassador training programme to nearly 650 team members to date. The ambassadors are able to provide appropriate response and assistance to patrons exhibiting signs of problem gambling and initiate conversations with them by using the crisis management and intervention skills they have learned.
Sands China strives to build a culture of responsible gaming, including through initiatives that help raise awareness and increase understanding. The company became the first gaming operator in Macao to launch a self-exclusion programme in 2004, and was a pioneer in including responsible gaming training in its company-wide team member orientation programme. Sands China established its comprehensive responsible gaming programme in 2007, with the goals of contributing to the continuous development of the Macao community, bearing corporate responsibility in addressing social issues and developing an environment and a culture of responsible gaming in Macao.
Cambodian and Vietnamese casino operator Donaco International Limited has seen remarkable growth in the 2024 fiscal year, the company’s Non-Executive Chairman revealed.
According to a statement by Porntat Amatavivadhana to shareholders at the company’s Annual General Meeting, Donaco’s group revenue soared by 62 percent year-on-year to AU$39.5 million ($25.7 million) in the 2024 fiscal year.
The company also recorded a significant EBITDA increase of 131 percent, totaling AU$22.2 million ($14.4 million), more than double the previous year’s figure of AU$9.6 million ($6.2 million).
Amatavivadhana detailed the success of Donaco’s two primary operations: DNA Star Vegas in Cambodia and Aristo International Hotel in Vietnam. Star Vegas achieved several operational efficiencies and saw a substantial rise in non-gaming revenue, bolstered by the launch of a membership loyalty program in January, which enhanced average daily visitation.
Meanwhile, Aristo experienced a strong rebound in performance thanks to increased tourism in the region, with average room occupancy rates climbing from 30 percent to 60 percent.
The Chairman attributed much of the success to local government initiatives aimed at boosting international tourism.
“The success of local government initiatives greatly benefitted our performance, leading to notable increases in visitation and gaming turnover”, he noted.
Looking ahead, Amatavivadhana expressed optimism about the upcoming opening of Sapa airport in Lao Cai, which is expected to significantly enhance tourism and economic potential for Donaco, with an estimated annual capacity of 1.5 million passengers.
However, he also addressed potential challenges, including the proposed Integrated Entertainment Business Act in Thailand, which could legalize casinos within entertainment complexes and impact DNA Star Vegas’ operations and cross-border tourism.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and assess how this development might impact our business”, he said.
Additionally, Amatavivadhana mentioned ongoing legal proceedings challenging Vietnam’s General Department of Taxation regarding taxes on unredeemed chips held by the company. “We will provide an update on the outcome of the legal proceedings in due course,” he assured.
In closing, he reaffirmed Donaco’s strong balance sheet and commitment to navigating potential challenges while creating value for shareholders. “As we look ahead, we are focused on delivering growth and creating value for our shareholders,” he concluded, thanking attendees for their ongoing loyalty and support.
With a strategic focus on growth and resilience, Donaco International continues to position itself for future success in the competitive gaming and hospitality landscape.
China and Myanmar’s joint law enforcement efforts have dismantled all major telecom fraud centers in northern Myanmar, Chinese state media reported on Thursday.
This follows a large-scale raid over the weekend that resulted in the arrest of 1,079 individuals, including 763 Chinese nationals.
China has been running an anti-telecom fraud campaign since 2023, targeting criminal networks that prey on Chinese citizens from Myanmar’s border areas. These operations have led to the arrest of over 53,000 Chinese nationals suspected of fraud, according to China’s Ministry of Public Security.
The recent raid was supported by the United Wa State Army (UWSA), an ethnic armed group in Myanmar. The UWSA arrested more than 1,000 individuals within its territory, transferring 762 Chinese suspects to Chinese authorities. Approximately 300 Myanmar nationals detained in the operation are currently under investigation and expected to be released following questioning, said UWSA spokesperson Nyi Rang.
The rise of telecom fraud in Myanmar’s borderlands, fueled by trafficked laborers from China and other countries, has drawn repeated warnings from Beijing. Analysts estimate the industry generates billions of dollars annually. In 2023 alone, more than 40,000 cyber scam suspects were handed over to China by Myanmar authorities.
Good morning. Crypto. China. The two have had a love-hate relationship for years, and that appears likely to continue after a recent court ruling deems ownership of the digital assets to be legal. Trading and mining are still off the cards but it could be a step in the right direction. But a spanner is in the works, as the country’s digital currency head is now facing charges of bribery via crypto. Win some, lose some. Meanwhile, in Macau, things are looking positive for operators in the coming years, with Sands and Galaxy maintaining their dominance, even as market share fluctuates.
What you need to know
Chinese court ruling confirms personal crypto ownership is legal, even as the country’s digital currency head is accused of crypto bribery.
Crypto has always been a mixed bag for China, with a huge number of proponents facing down heady skepticism by the government. A new court ruling has potentially clarified that ownership of crypto is legal in the nation, even though trading or mining is not. But further changes could be afoot, after a top official pushing the nation’s digital currency progress has been accused of crypto bribery. But Hong Kong is fully aboard the crypto train and could prove its advantages to those further north.
Asia is the most populated continent on the planet and Football is the No. 1 sport in most countries. The World Cup qualifying matches are traditionally watched by billions of fans in the region, but FIFA has decided to reward Asia with a significant representation at the tournament only now.
Altenar, a leading sportsbook provider is bringing its global expertise to Asia, looking to expand its operations. Since 2011, Altenar has powered hundreds of online sports betting sites worldwide and is a major B2B provider in Europe and Latin America licensed markets.
A top Philippine Senate panel is set to conclude its investigation into alleged criminal activities linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators, holding its last hearing on November 26th.
According to the Philippine News Agency, the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality has already held 15 hearings over the course of 19 months – starting on April 19th of 2023.
The final hearing is set to focus on new information regarding alleged spying activities by the Chinese government.
That’s according to Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, who claims “we have gathered new information, especially on China having spies here in the Philippines through POGOs”.
The politician furthered that “in the next hearing, we will present the legislative reforms that need to be pushed here in the Senate due to a lot of irregularities and policy gaps that we have seen in the spread of POGO and its related crimes”.
Former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo – known as the ‘POGO mayor’ – will be required to attend the hearing, indicated Hontiveros.
The senator has been a strong proponent of further legislation to prohibit any possible iterations of POGOs in the future, despite assurances from Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that his recent Executive Order 74 was sufficient to ensure their elimination.
A legal expert recently told AGB that the Executive Order was quite “explicit in its scope”, stating that “the EO clearly states that all POGO and IGL operations are banned”, noting this is regardless of their location or licensing authority.
The Philippine president mandated the closure of all POGO and IGL operations in the nation during his State of the Nation Address earlier this year. The companies have been given until December 31st to shutter all operations.
